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HOLLAND, Mich. (WOTV) Raising children and finding support is not always easy. Fortunately, there is a free conference that’s dedicated to informing, motivating, and offering support to all parents and caregivers.

The Challenge of Children Conference is Thursday, May 15, 2014, at the Hope College Haworth Center in Holland. The conference is dedicated to informing, motivating, offering support and networking opportunities on child development, child guidance and other challenges related to parenting.

The very first Challenge of Children Conference was held in 1982. Fifteen years later, Muskegon County professionals were invited to serve on the Challenge of Children Coalition. Another 17 years have passed since then, and the coalition remains strong. The conference continues to draw over a thousand parents and caregivers every year from West Michigan and throughout the state. May 15, 2014 is the 32nd anniversary of the Challenge of Children Conference. What is more important is that more than 30,000 parents and caregivers bettered themselves for the children whose lives they touch.

The Challenge of Children Conference is sponsored by Bethany Christian Services and the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Dr. Ray Guarendi’s “Standing Strong as a Parent” keynote address is at 9:15 a.m. Session 1 Workshops start at 11 a.m., lunch break from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. (lunch not provided), and Session 2 workshops start at 1:45 p.m. Agency exhibits are open from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ins are welcome. Childcare is not provided.